 | Cardboard Carrier: Less Than $10 |
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 | Duffel Bag-Style Carrier: $18-$115 |
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 | Large or Deluxe Carrier: $80-$200 |
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| Pet carriers are made of cloth, hard plastic or even cardboard and are designed to keep a dog, cat, rodent or bird comfortable, safe and calm while traveling. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Pet travel carriers range in price from less than $10 to as much as $200.
- The cheapest pet travel carrier is made of durable cardboard and cost under $10. Chain pet stores like PetSmart and Petco sell cardboard carriers for less than $10.
- Soft-sided, duffel bag-style carriers cost $18 -$115. Sherpa's Pet Trading Company has products costing $58 -$120 at most pet stores.
- Carriers for medium sized dogs, or dogs that weigh between 40 and 65 pounds, cost $70 -$120. Kennel-Aire makes the Remington and Travel-Aire hard plastic carriers for medium and large sized dogs. They typically cost $84 -$130.
- Large carriers, for large dog breeds, range from $80 to $150.
- Deluxe travel carriers, with wheels and other features, cost about $200. For example, the Komfort Pets Climate-Controlled Pet Carrier, for pets under 15 pounds, costs about $200 depending on its size.
What should be included: | - Cardboard carriers are best for short car trips, such as to the veterinarian.
- Soft-sided carriers are built for cats and dogs up to 25 pounds.
- Many carriers for small dogs and cats have convenient features, like wheels, or convert into backpacks, car seats or beds. Pet Gear Inc.'s I-Go Weekender, built for pets up to 20 pounds, costs $120.
- Many pet carriers include padding, bedding or water and food cups.
Additional costs: | - Water and food cups built for carrier use typically cost $3 -$12. Some, like Lixit Corporation's Waterboy Travel Bowl boast leak-proof designs.
- An airline flight kit that includes food and water cups, a disposable floor liner, "Live Animal" stickers and pet I.D. labels costs about $5.
Shopping for a pet carrier: | - Consider what airlines might require before traveling with the pet might include before selecting a carrier. Airlines have strict pet travel regulations. Pets with a ticket that will travel in the plane's cargo section must have an airline-approved carrier, so look for this label.
- The World Travel Guide offers tips for traveling with cats. DogFriendly.com has a list of travel tips for dog owners.
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Article updated January 2011 |
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